The Best Frozen Fries for Your Air Fryer Cost Less Than $3. Here's What We Found

The best frozen fries for your air fryer cost less than $3—and they're not from a premium brand. CNET's side-by-side test of six frozen fry bags found that the cheapest option, a generic store brand, emerged as the crispiest and most satisfying. In a blind taste test of air-fried fries ranging from national names like Ore-Ida to discount-store generics, the $2.99 bag beat out competitors costing up to $6. The finding upends the assumption that higher price equals better quality, a lesson for budget-conscious home cooks in an era of rising grocery costs. The test involved one-minute batch cooking in a standard air fryer set at 400°F, with no oil added. The winner: a no-frills bag from a major U.S. grocery chain. The fries came out golden, crunchy on the outside, and fluffy inside—matching or exceeding the performance of pricier options. "The cheapest bag turned out the best," the reviewer wrote, citing the simple ingredient list and thin cut as key factors. The result suggests consumers can save money without sacrificing taste, especially as air fryers become a kitchen staple. The article notes that air fryers work best with frozen fries that are thinly cut and have minimal coatings. The finding has practical implications: shoppers can now confidently grab the store-brand bag, knowing it may outperform the premium alternative. As food prices remain volatile, such insights help households stretch budgets. Next time you're in the frozen aisle, look for the store-brand thin-cut fries—your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.